The Hand Held Miniature – 6 Secrets

Today’s miniature artists painting hand held miniatures are continuing a traditional art that has been treasured for centuries.  In describing a traditional hand held miniature painting, there are some key factors that set it apart from small paintings and other types of painting. 

 For those who are not familiar with this form of art, the art of miniature painting is quite separate from what is often termed ‘miniature’ defined by size.  All miniature is described by the original meaning of the word ‘miniature’ (from Latin, ‘minium’) and specifically refers to the detailed techniques of painting, often called painting ‘in miniature’.

 Subjects of a hand held miniature are not governed by laws of scale.  They may be shown life-sized, just as many earlier hand held miniatures depicted insects, flowers, or even fruit, as well as rendered very on a small scale in the painting; whatever the miniature artist has deemed to be pleasing in their gem-like work of art.  As 17^th century miniature artist, Nicholas Hilliard said of miniature painting in his famous Treatise about the art form, “The Arte of Limning”,  “…for the imitation of the purest flowers and most beautiful creatures in the finest and purest colors…”

 1.  Hand Held Miniatures are Painted “In Miniature”
As the other miniature paintings that are painted in a larger size, hand held miniatures must be painted ‘in miniature’, stated simply, they must be detailed.  Early manuals from the 1600’s for painting miniature artists described it as delicate strokes.  Often, the miniature artist uses the classic techniques of fine stipples, hatching, and glazing of color to produce their glowing jewel-like works of art.

 2.  The Size of the Hand Held Miniature
The hand-held miniature, as one would expect from the name, fits in your hand with no specific measurements defining it. Often these small paintings were and are very precious and intimate pieces of art that are treasured for generations.  Many small portraits of loved ones were painted this size, some of which were worn on the person set into jewels and gold.

 3.  Paintings Telling a Story
The finest hand held miniature paintings convey a story.   Just as the original miniatures that described what was written in early illuminated manuscripts, fine miniatures today tell a story and draw the viewer into the painting.

4.  Surface of a Hand Held Miniature
As with the originations to the manuscript or book, which of course must have the ability to be closed and placed on a shelf, miniature paintings have minimal surface texture.

5.  Portability
The hand held miniature, as all miniature paintings painted large or small, must be portable.  Original hand held miniatures were original works of art that were cut out of manuscripts so that they could be carried more easily.

6.  Composition and Design
As all exquisite works of art, hand held miniatures must have good composition leading the eye through the painting.  Great care is taken by miniature artists today and of early miniature painting, to create a beautiful design and arrangement.  It is especially important in a hand held miniature because of its small size.

(Many thanks to Joan Willies, RMS)